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pick my colorado car.. - Page 12

post #331 of 426
6/22/12 at 8:03am

Don't lose focus. Just say no to the Jeep.

 

My needs are very similar to yours. I currently drive a 2009 Subaru Forester. Prior to that I had a Saab 92x (Saabaru) and a Tacoma. I drive a lot of dirt and gravel forest roads that are rutted as well as makeshift dirt kayak launches at the river. I tow a trailer with kayaks. My suspension is mush as a result. I had the struts replaced under warranty but that didn't help. Now that I am out of warranty I have an STI rear sway bar and Swift Springs in the garage ready for install. I can't imagine towing a heavier trailer on dirt / gravel with a Forester. The rear end is under damped to begin with and I don't think the drive train can handle the stress.

 

You need a truck!

 

My Tacoma sucked in the snow, until I added an A.R.E. cap. That balanced it out and it was as good in snow as any SUV with the right tires.

 

My next vehicle will be either a Tacoma or a Ridgeline.

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post #332 of 426
6/22/12 at 8:24am

Jeep has been putting in plastic gas tanks behind the rear axle, a design that was found to be dangerous 50 years ago in the Mustang and Pinto, where the tank was in a cavity above the recessed floor of the body, don't know if the Jeep is that poorly safety designed. But for example, my old Suburban has the tank in front of the axle and under the floor. Don't support corrupt design that saves a few dollars in production but costs many lives in fires. Around here the kids who don't have a lot of money buy the old Jeeps cause they are the cheapest all wheel drive around. 

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post #333 of 426
6/22/12 at 8:43am
Thread Starter 

yeah, that was for GC's from 93-2004   http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/209731/158/Chrysler-Whistleblower-Speaks-Out-

 

you can retrofit your jeep with a protective skid plate.  IMHO, Jeep should be picking up the tab.

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post #334 of 426
6/22/12 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by davluri View Post

Jeep has been putting in plastic gas tanks behind the rear axle, a design that was found to be dangerous 50 years ago in the Mustang and Pinto, where the tank was in a cavity above the recessed floor of the body, don't know if the Jeep is that poorly safety designed. But for example, my old Suburban has the tank in front of the axle and under the floor. Don't support corrupt design that saves a few dollars in production but costs many lives in fires. Around here the kids who don't have a lot of money buy the old Jeeps cause they are the cheapest all wheel drive around. 

 

Totally not true anymore. Like Finndog said, that was until 2004.

 

This is the new model's undercarriage. Fuel tank is NOT behind the rear axle.

 

11_j_gch_cap_off_prm_lb.jpg

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post #335 of 426
6/22/12 at 1:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

actually, if I could find a 5K subie that ran and was't held together by duct tape, I would buy it for steamboat for the next 1.5-2 years. icon14.gif

 

http://rockies.craigslist.org/cto/3087338274.html

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post #336 of 426
6/22/12 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 

hmm, if that's there when I go back up I may have to check it out.   Not sure what "attends to her needs" means but....... thanks. I would be willing to pay a bit more for something with "less needs" :)  

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post #337 of 426
6/22/12 at 5:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

hmm, if that's there when I go back up I may have to check it out.   Not sure what "attends to her needs" means but....... thanks. I would be willing to pay a bit more for something with "less needs" :)  

 

Yeah, I initially posted one for four grand with much fewer miles (I didn't even go down the list beyond the first two listed), but then noticed it had a manual tranny. However, the point is that in mountain towns, there are always inexpensive Subarus for sale. Here in Missoula you can't throw a rock without hitting one. A friend who steered me toward mine for $900, shortly afterward bought a clean as a whistle '91 Legacy with only 40k mi. for $1000! (he bought it for his mom, as he already has his own '84 GL).

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post #338 of 426
6/23/12 at 4:12am
Thread Starter 

thanks VA, I did some searching around last night. I think I can buy a subie here for less given supply and demand but looking at maybe a used Taco too

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post #339 of 426
6/23/12 at 5:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by volantaddict View Post

 

http://rockies.craigslist.org/cto/3087338274.html


Of course, if you're not a mechanic, or don't personally know a good mechanic, that price is just the buy in.  If you drive a lot and cannot fix it yourself, you will be spending a couple of hundred a month on repairs.

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post #340 of 426
6/23/12 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 

working on a NJ 08 subie for about 10K. hopefully will hear shortly.......

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post #341 of 426
6/23/12 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

working on a NJ 08 subie for about 10K. hopefully will hear shortly.......

 

Keep us posted. 

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post #342 of 426
6/24/12 at 11:12am
Thread Starter 

working feverishly with phil; it started very early this AM....

 

Here's whats in the running right now:

 

05 subie XT, 95K miles, had turbo replaced last year under warranty, did full 75K service- 9K

-

08 subie 2.5 88K miles, has records for all maintenance had exhaust replaced under warranty, replaced brake and tires recently. Had 75K servicing. driven by older couple. clean car. asking 11.5K- 

 

02' Taco, extra cab, super clean all records. want too much though, 13K.  90K miles.

 

09 subie special edition 2.5 66k miles, from dealer, certified. 16.4K.


Edited by Finndog - 6/24/12 at 12:51pm
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post #343 of 426
6/24/12 at 1:04pm

Go for the older couple's Subie. Older folks tend to be easier on the vehicles, and 88k on a Subie is likely only a quarter of it's lifespan, if that. I have a friend who has over a half million miles on his, with no major work.

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post #344 of 426
6/24/12 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

working feverishly with phil; it started very early this AM....

 

Here's whats in the running right now:

 

05 subie XT, 95K miles, had turbo replaced last year under warranty, did full 75K service- 9K

-

08 subie 2.5 88K miles, has records for all maintenance had exhaust replaced under warranty, replaced brake and tires recently. Had 75K servicing. driven by older couple. clean car. asking 11.5K- 

 

02' Taco, extra cab, super clean all records. want too much though, 13K.  90K miles.

 

09 subie special edition 2.5 66k miles, from dealer, certified. 16.4K.

Out of those choices, I would pick the 08 subie (assuming the exhaust checks out and it doesn't have turbo, which current evidence shows may need of replacing before it sees 95K).

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post #345 of 426
6/25/12 at 3:18am
Thread Starter 

still on the look but going to see the 05 and the 08. I am hoping for a 04/05 forester as well. There's also a White 2002 Subaru Forester L, automatic, 115K for 5K.  I have the VIN

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post #346 of 426
6/25/12 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by volantaddict View Post

Go for the older couple's Subie. Older folks tend to be easier on the vehicles, and 88k on a Subie is likely only a quarter of it's lifespan, if that. I have a friend who has over a half million miles on his, with no major work.

^^^^^This. Glad you've torn yourself away from Jeeps. 

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post #347 of 426
6/25/12 at 9:45am
Thread Starter 

well, this is just a temp car unitl I move up there. Since I am there almost every month now, its just makes sense to buy something rather than pour money into a rental.

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post #348 of 426
6/25/12 at 11:23am

Woh! Sounds like Subarus are WAY cheaper over there. Last summer, after the tsunami disrupted their supply, their was a serious shortage of new Subarus, so used ones prices went through the roof, which was the main reasons why I decided against one at the time.

 

Looked at an '05 Outback XT with over 100k, and a beat-to-hell interior, and they wanted like 15 grand for it. People wanted a bloody fortune for them, no matter what year or model!

 

If I found prices last summer like what you're finding now, I might have gone the used-Subaru route, too.

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post #349 of 426
6/25/12 at 11:37am
Thread Starter 

looking at an 05 Forester xs LL bean with 125K regular service. he wants 6,800......  may need timing belt and other minor stuff but even if I put another 1K into it, its still a steal if it checks out. it was serviced by subie until 114K miles. I called the dealer and discussed. they did not service timing belt and did not have any Head gasket issues. All other major services were done. I don't want the leather but for the price.....

 

Here's the ad:

 

NEED TO SELL, Reduced over 1200,00 to sell

2005 Subaru Forester LL Bean Edition, LOADED, remote start, all leather, heated seats, 6 CD Changer, Moon Roof, Actual pictures of car. 126,000 miles

Blue Book Value is over $10,000
 

5Ka5H85J53E73K73N6c5j94a8d95edb5e198d.jpg

 

5G35F35Mb3Eb3K23Jec5j0fc7129b88e01fd6.jpg
 

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post #350 of 426
6/25/12 at 4:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinFromSA View Post

Woh! Sounds like Subarus are WAY cheaper over there. Last summer, after the tsunami disrupted their supply, their was a serious shortage of new Subarus, so used ones prices went through the roof, which was the main reasons why I decided against one at the time.

 

Looked at an '05 Outback XT with over 100k, and a beat-to-hell interior, and they wanted like 15 grand for it. People wanted a bloody fortune for them, no matter what year or model!

 

If I found prices last summer like what you're finding now, I might have gone the used-Subaru route, too.

 going to see a 05' xt tomorrow - 95K, new turbos, asking 9K. my concern is its going to need new timing belt and brakes and most likely a water pump.  Gotta add these costs back onto the formula.  

 

Same for the Forester. the timing belt alone is probably 1000-1200. 

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post #351 of 426
6/25/12 at 4:29pm

I just finished a timing belt/water pump job on my son's 04.  The kit from Gates is about $200 including wp and it took about five hours taking our time.  It's not a really hard job.

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post #352 of 426
6/25/12 at 5:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevesmith7 View Post

I just finished a timing belt/water pump job on my son's 04.  The kit from Gates is about $200 including wp and it took about five hours taking our time.  It's not a really hard job.

whoa!  seriously? I'm sure my bro-in-law (aka mcgiver) could do this then, much thanks!!!  

 

I think the 05 forester is out.  I think he traded it in ???  

 

ANyway onto the the next. always another car.  Still need to see the XT but would love to score a 06' forester pretty much basic with heated seats.

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post #353 of 426
6/25/12 at 7:38pm

This place had really good instructions:

http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t40581-d-i-y-index-please-look-before-posting.html

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post #354 of 426
6/26/12 at 8:23am

Just read this article this morning about the Jeep. 2013 model's getting cut short to bring on the new goods. And Snowfan was correct with the prediction about the 8-speed trans!

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=08e146df-d3c8-4a0e-b092-82cbd08ee49a

 

"In January, the Grand Cherokee will pick up an eight-speed transmission licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen AG and built at Chrysler's transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind."

 

"At about the same time, the Grand Cherokee will offer an optional 3.0-liter diesel engine from Fiat-owned VM Motori S.p.A. in the United States, a Chrysler source said.The 3.0-liter diesel is available already on the Grand Cherokees sold overseas. It is rated at 241 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. Mated with a five-speed transmission, the diesel delivers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway." (33 mpg in a truly trail-worthy SUV?! icon14.gif) "...A Jeep spokesman declined to comment on the powertrain plan." (Guess we won't know whether it'll be 5-speed or 8-speed on the diesel yet)

 

 

With these recent announcements, I think you're going about it the right way. I'd get a cheap Subaru in NJ for now like the ones you're looking at, and maybe re-consider the GC next year when they bring about these big changes. You probably won't lose much money at all on the Subaru, ESPECIALLY if you re-sell it in Colorado where they fetch a premium. When the diesel Jeep comes out, even I might be checking them out! Now, if only Subaru would bring us some diesels! Jeep bringing diesels to the states is a total game changer for the industry if you ask me. Aside from crappy handling, nasty gas mileage is the primary reason why I hate SUVs. With fewer trips to the pump, this could be a very solid replacement for my Trailblazer (great truck. horrrrrrrible mpg for a 6 cyl).

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post #355 of 426
6/26/12 at 8:38am
Thread Starter 

great news and that's the plan!  I am keeping my x3 for at least another year and get the diesel 8spd. then when we finally move out, sell the subie in Steamboat. Phil (aka, the sultan of subaru) has given me some great advice on the XT.  I figure I Will put about 10-15K miles on it on that time so my guess is that I will be able to recoup at least 75% of my costs but since I am paying 400 for each week I rent a car there, I will be way ahead of the game.

 

BTW- timing belt at my local Subie dealership is $460 flat.  They rarely find it necessary to replace waterpumps at this mileage in the 05's. 

Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinFromSA View Post

Just read this article this morning about the Jeep. 2013 model's getting cut short to bring on the new goods. And Snowfan was correct with the prediction about the 8-speed trans!

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=08e146df-d3c8-4a0e-b092-82cbd08ee49a

 

"In January, the Grand Cherokee will pick up an eight-speed transmission licensed from ZF Friedrichshafen AG and built at Chrysler's transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind."

 

"At about the same time, the Grand Cherokee will offer an optional 3.0-liter diesel engine from Fiat-owned VM Motori S.p.A. in the United States, a Chrysler source said.The 3.0-liter diesel is available already on the Grand Cherokees sold overseas. It is rated at 241 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. Mated with a five-speed transmission, the diesel delivers 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway." (33 mpg in a truly trail-worthy SUV?! icon14.gif) "...A Jeep spokesman declined to comment on the powertrain plan." (Guess we won't know whether it'll be 5-speed or 8-speed on the diesel yet)

 

 

With these recent announcements, I think you're going about it the right way. I'd get a cheap Subaru in NJ for now like the ones you're looking at, and maybe re-consider the GC next year when they bring about these big changes. You probably won't lose much money at all on the Subaru, ESPECIALLY if you re-sell it in Colorado where they fetch a premium. When the diesel Jeep comes out, even I might be checking them out! Now, if only Subaru would bring us some diesels! Jeep bringing diesels to the states is a total game changer for the industry if you ask me. Aside from crappy handling, nasty gas mileage is the primary reason why I hate SUVs. With fewer trips to the pump, this could be a very solid replacement for my Trailblazer (great truck. horrrrrrrible mpg for a 6 cyl).

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post #356 of 426
6/26/12 at 9:34am
Quote:

Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

 

  I figure I Will put about 10-15K miles on it on that time so my guess is that I will be able to recoup at least 75% of my costs

 

Recoup 75%? you'll probably make money on it .. 

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post #357 of 426
6/26/12 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by segbrown View Post

 

Recoup 75%? you'll probably make money on it .. 

 

True that. In fact, I'd like to start a little Subaru import business someday! I'd buy cheap Subarus from Texas to Florida, and sell them for a mint to suckers...errrrr....I meant rich Bozemanites who like to spend twice what they're really worth. The same business model would DEFINITELY be a money maker in Colorado. I think the Oregon and Washington markets could be pretty lucrative, as well.

 

Maybe I'll even slap a couple Coexist or [insert random cause/political message here] stickers on 'em to drive up the value! You're right. Get the Subaru over the Jeep for now. 

 

Check out my foolproof formula!    (Cheap NJ Subaru - $ fixing it up) x (Rocky Mountain market) = $$$PROFIT$$$!!!

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post #358 of 426
6/26/12 at 10:10am
Thread Starter 

Austin, I just have to state for the record that Seg already has ptiched this concept to me before! :)   

 

We can call it something that works with the coexist, recycle, home school, legalize it, home brewing, organic theme......  biggrin.gif

Quote:
Originally Posted by segbrown View Post

 

Recoup 75%? you'll probably make money on it .. 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinFromSA View Post

 

True that. In fact, I'd like to start a little Subaru import business someday! I'd buy cheap Subarus from Texas to Florida, and sell them for a mint to suckers...errrrr....I meant rich Bozemanites who like to spend twice what they're really worth. The same business model would DEFINITELY be a money maker in Colorado. I think the Oregon and Washington markets could be pretty lucrative, as well.

 

Maybe I'll even slap a couple Coexist or [insert random cause/political message here] stickers on 'em to drive up the value! You're right. Get the Subaru over the Jeep for now. 

 

Check out my foolproof formula!    (Cheap NJ Subaru - $ fixing it up) x (Rocky Mountain market) = $$$PROFIT$$$!!!

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post #359 of 426
6/26/12 at 10:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finndog View Post

Austin, I just have to state for the record that Seg already has ptiched this concept to me before! :)   

 

We can call it something that works with the coexist, recycle, home school, legalize it, home brewing, organic theme......  biggrin.gif

 

 

I like the way you guys think! icon14.gif You know, great minds and all that.

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post #360 of 426
6/26/12 at 10:35am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AustinFromSA View Post

 

I like the way you guys think! icon14.gif You know, great minds and all that.

 

Well, you can run the MT division

 

Phil gets the rights to NV biggrin.gif

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